4 Benefits of Using Lecture Capture Technology to Increase Student Engagement at the University of Ottawa

4 Benefits of Using Lecture Capture Technology to Increase Student Engagement at the University of Ottawa

4 Benefits of Using Lecture Capture Technology to Increase Student Engagement at the University of Ottawa

By: Echo360

On: June 27, 2017

Large class sizes can propose a number of challenges for educators and students. One of the biggest issues reported by students and instructors is the lack of two-way communication – whether it be between peers, the instructor, or course content – that often arises in larger class sizes due to lack of student participation and engagement. But studies have found that these issues can improve using the tools and resources that Echo360’s lecture capture and active learning platform provides.

“My research seeks to assess the degree to which highly rated professors of large classes use verbal and nonverbal communication to build connection with students—and to catalogue how they do it,” said Lennox-Terrion.

Lennox-Terrion has utilized Echo360 for two years to support active learning and enhanced communication in her classroom and has seen firsthand how technology can increase student participation and engagement: 50% of her students in a large introductory class of 202 students achieved 100% on participation points.

“At first I didn’t really know about [Echo360], but once I found out about it I thought it was fantastic,” said Lennox-Terrion. “I’m using the engagement, analytical tools, as well as the lecture capture. The students and myself are pleased with all aspects.” Here are four benefits of using lecture capture technology for large classes:

Increased Participation in First Year Students

For the most part, Lennox-Terrion works with first year students. She genuinely wants students’ first year of college to be a good experience, so they feel inspired to continue with their studies. Recognizing that large class sizes can be intimidating, Lennox-Terrion works to ensure that all students have the tools necessary to excel. In her class, participation points are derived from students’ answers to short questions and polling captured through the Echo360 lecture capture platform. Using insights from the data analytics feature, her results demonstrate that the students were in class and actively engaging with lessons throughout the semester.

Enhanced Student Accountability

Lennox-Terrion goes above and beyond to set expectations for her students. In addition to the resources that Echo360 provides, Lennox-Terrion has created her own suite of resources for students to reference. This includes an outline within the course description that lays the foundation of the lecture capture technology and provides details on how it can be resourceful in a variety of ways.

“We also use a set of demo slides, just to talk about how we use the platform, and the features that we’ll be using,” said Lennox-Terrion.

While many students find the technology easy and instinctive to use, other students prefer to access short videos that provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to navigate the Echo360 system, including registration, login information, and how-to information. Lennox-Terrion includes information in the course syllabus about how and where Echo360 will be used for class participation, and where the students can go to learn more information about the general functionalities. The course resources encourage accountability, while also helping students feel comfortable with the technology.

Data-Driven Teaching & Learning

Using the data analytics provided by Echo360, Lennox-Terrion is able to confirm that the students are not merely bodies in a classroom, but rather active participants engaging with the lesson. For example, if a student provides meaningful responses to a polling question, the student is rewarded two points per class. These response points are rewarded over the course of ten weeks – and are used in lieu of taking attendance.

“We don’t start giving those points until three weeks into the class because students can keep adding classes up to three weeks in,” said Lennox-Terrion.

To reinforce the learning environment, during each class, Lennox-Terrion uses the students’ responses and shares them with the class during the next session. She advises students which answers were accurate and why – which encourages peer to peer interaction and creates a sense of classroom community.

In addition to providing insight into student learning, the short answers and polling results provide Lennox-Terrion with critical feedback as an instructor, including whether or not her lesson was understood, or if there was a particular topic that she needs to revisit.

“It helps us to clarify things that may have been unclear,” said Lennox-Terrion. “When the students are able to see the data themselves, like if they answered something incorrectly, they are able to realize that they need to get back on task. It encourages the student to pay attention to the lecture.”

Ongoing Access to Course Content

Lennox-Terrion believes that there are two primary reasons why lecture capture is a great tool. The first reason being if a student misses class, the information is readily available for them online. Secondly, given the high international population at the University of Ottawa, many of these students, who may be studying in their second or third language, appreciate having the ability to go back and revisit the lesson again.

“I find that the students like using it as a refresher or reinforcement of the content – and we really promote that,” adds Lennox-Terrion.

Finally, students are very appreciative of the accommodations that lecture capture provides – particularly if they have an injury or medical condition because they do not have to worry about dropping the class.

“Students have told us that they are very grateful for the capture,” said Lennox-Terrion.

Contact Echo 360 for more information and to discover the opportunities that lecture capture provides.